Minerals

What are different health benefits of including oregano in daily diet?

Oregano is a Mediterranean herb with purple flowers, which grows up to a height of about two feet. The name oregano comes from the Greek word oreganos meaning “joy of the mountains.” This herb is used in various recipes as well as in the treatment of various ailments. There are two types of Oregano that are commonly used, Origanum marjorum for cooking and Origanum vulgare for oil.
There are many health benefits of oregano, primarily because of its antimicrobial properties. The two important compounds, which contribute towards this property of oregano, are thymol and carvacrol apart from Linalyl Acetate, Cymene, Pinene, Bisabolene, Caryophyllene, Linalool, Geranyl Acetate, Borneol, and Terpinene.
The health benefits of oregano are numerous. Oregano leaves, either raw or dried can be used in food directly for flavor, the oil extracts of the herb can be used externally or internally in small amounts as well to treat various ailments. Some of the health benefits of oregano are listed below.

Used as Preservative.
Due to it anti-microbial properties addition of oregano in small quantities to food can help delay the process of fermentation, thus retaining the taste and nutrients in the food for a much longer period.

Antioxidant
Oregano has strong antioxidant properties which help to remove the harmful free radicals from the body which otherwise could cause cancer. Consuming oregano also help to delay the aging process because of its antioxidant property as it helps overcome the wear and tear or degeneration in the cells.

Enhancing body immunity
Another major health benefit of Oregano is that it has very high antimicrobial properties because of which consumption of oregano can help ward off various viral, bacterial, and fungal infections like mumps measles, typhoid, and cholera etcetera. The anti fungal property of oregano helps fight any fungal infection if applied on the affected area externally.

Digestion
Oregano helps in digestion of food by helping in the secretion of digestive juices. Hence, addition of oregano in food not only enhances flavor but also enhances its digestion and assimilation.

Emenagogue
One of the many health benefits of oregano to women is that it helps in correcting any menstrual defects and it also delays the arrival of menopause.

Anti-inflammatory
Oregano is known to have sedative and anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used as a mild painkiller. Oregano can be taken in the form of tea to get relief from any body pains or aches. Oregano oil can also be applied externally to get relief from inflammation. Because of the anti inflammatory property of oregano it can also be used as a mild anti allergen to overcome the hypersensitivity caused due to any allergic reaction.

Anti parasitic
There are many parasites that reside inside the human body and derive nourishment from it. These parasites in the long run create health problems and in serious cases may even lead to death a common example being that of tape worms. Ingestion of oregano helps in fighting against these parasites and avoiding any communicable disease that could be caused by these parasites. The phenol content in oregano helps to get rid of the external parasites as well.

Nutritional
Oregano has a high content of minerals and vitamins when fresh. Oregano also contains omega-3 fatty acids or PUFA which is an essential fatty acid required by the body. Omega-3 fatty acids help in reducing possibilities of heart diseases.

Respiratory health
The volatile oils of oregano help in relieving sinus and lung congestion. Oregano tea is usually advised to treat influenza; bronchitis, asthma and fever. It helps maintain the respiratory health.

This herb also helps in fighting other disease like giardia and ecoli infection. Oregano also helps in healing athlete’s foot, Psoriasis, eczema, and other infectious diseases. Although Oregano originally was grown in the Mediterranean region, it is widely grown and consumed now due to the many health benefits that it presents.

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MAGNESIUM – Known as alcoholic’s balm – Keeps the nerves relaxed

Human tissues contain small quantities of magnesium. The adult body contains about 25 g of this mineral, the greater part of which is present in bones in combination with phosphate and carbonate. Bone ashes contain less than one percent magnesium. Magnesium is a major mineral important to plants and animals.
About one-fifth of the total magnesium in the body is present in the soft tissues inside the cells, where it is mainly bound to protein. The bones seem to provide a reserve supply of this mineral in case of shortage elsewhere in the body.
- Magnesium is a light, silver white, malleable, and ductile metallic element.
- Magnesium burns with a very hot, bright flame and is used to form light-weight alloys.
- Magnesium helps to keep one calm and cool during summer months.
- The absorption of magnesium occurs in small intestine.
- Magnesium may compete with and decrease calcium absorption from the intestine.
- Almost twice the amount of magnesium is stored in bones as compared with soft tissues.
- A greater part of magnesium in diet is not absorbed, it is excreted in urine.

FUNCTIONS OF MAGNESIUM IN HUMAN BODY

- Magnesium helps to keep nerves relaxed.
- Magnesium is necessary for all muscular activity.
- Magnesium is an activator of most of the enzyme systems involved in metabolism of carbohydrate, fat, and protein.
- Magnesium is necessary for activation of alkaline phosphates.
- Magnesium helps in the utilization of vitamin B and E.
- Magnesium maintains fluid and electrolyte balance.
- Magnesium is important for converting blood sugar into energy.
- Magnesium acts as an anti-stress mineral.
- Magnesium is useful in keeping healthier cardiovascular system.
- Magnesium prevents calcium deposits in kidneys and gallstones.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS OF MAGNESIUM IN HUMAN BODY

- Rapid heart rate.
- Chronic alcoholism.
- Hypertension.
- Depression.
- High blood pressure.
- Impaired protein metabolism.
- Premature wrinkles.
- Irritability.
- Kidney damage or kidney stones.
- Muscle cramps.
- Heart attack.
- Sensitivity to sound.

FOOD SOURCES RICH IN MAGNESIUM

- Green leafy vegetables.
- Nuts, soy beans, alfalfa, apples, figs, lemons, peaches, almonds.
- Whole grains, brown rice, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds.
- Jowar, bajra, finger millet.
- Cereals and vegetables.

Chronic alcoholics show a low plasma magnesium concentration and a high urinary output. Hence, they require an extra magnesium intake.
Magnesium prevents recurrence of kidney stones by increasing the solubility of calcium in urine.

Health and Skin Benefits of Cucumber

Cucumber is a fruit that came from the same family as pumpkin, zucchini and other squashes. A cucumber that is yellow in color, has a round shape and is available in many parts of India.
Cucumbers originate from India and since ancient times these fruit were taken as a desert, that is why in modern Pakistan and other Eastern countries cucumbers are served among the fruit like apples, peaches, melons and others.
100 g of cucumber has 70 calories, 80 mg of potassium, 27 mg of phosphorus, 32 mg of calcium, 17 mg of carbohydrates, 1.8 mg of iron, as well as vitamin C, vitamin A, niacin and B group vitamins, molybdenum, magnesium, tryptophan, dietary fiber and so on. The alkalinity of cucumber is also a positive element.

English cucumbers – Have very little in the way of seeds and can grow to around 2 feet in length.
Mediterranean cucumbers – Skins are smooth with nearly seedless flesh, they have a mild taste.
Japanese cucumbers – A dark green cucumber with a very bumpy skin. Mainly used for slicing, salads and pickling.

Health and Skin Benefits of Cucumber

- Cucumbers have high water content (about 95 percent).
- They have fiber-rich skin and their levels of potassium and manganese, which help regulate blood pressure and help promote nutrient functions.
- Cucumbers help remove uric acid, which is beneficial for those who has arthritis.
- Cucumber helps in reducing swelling around the eyes or the big dark circles under your eyes.
- Cucumber is very beneficial for burns, swollen eyes, and dermatitis. because it consists of Caffeic and ascorbic acids, which prevent water retention.
- Its juice is a nourishing vitamin for our hair and skin.
- Cucumber is good for those who are dieting as it is very low in calories.
- Cucumber’s nutritional benefits include natural salts, enzymes, and vitamins essential for strong cell growth and repair.
- Cucumber juice is certainly beneficial the treatment of rheumatic conditions.
- This colorless drink can help regulate blood pressure because of its minerals and traces of sodium.
- The excellent source of silica contributes to the proper construction of connective tissues in our body as in the bones, muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons.
- The temperature regulating properties in cucumber juice makes it a suitable drink when you have a fever.
- Those suffering from diabetes have been found to benefit from the consumption of cucumber/cucumber juice.
- Cucumber contains Erepsin, the enzyme that helps in protein digestion.
- Cucumber juice is said to promote hair growth, especially when it is added to the juice of carrot, lettuce and spinach.
- Daily consumption of cucumber juice helps control cases of eczema, arthritis and gout.
- Helps in kidney and urinary bladder disease.